Vinyl Fence Overlay System

ABSTRACT

A vinyl fence overlay system uses an existing fence (either chain link or wood) as a foundational structure to improve an existing fence particularly through the use of the vinyl fence cover. The vinyl fence overlay structure includes a post having a first member defining a post cap and a second member defining a base and a panel defining an overlay system of the existing fence. The vinyl fence overlay system includes the steps of securing the post to a surface and attaching a panel to a post by sliding down a panel to the post-side tabs or a hooking tab made for this purpose as disclose herein.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Applicant requests entry into the National Phase in the United States by and through this application which is based on PCT Patent Application, Assigned Serial No. PCT/US2021/030534 filed on May 03, 2021, which claims priority from provisional Pat. App. No. 63/019,104 filed on May 01, 2020, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a vinyl fence overlay system which uses the existing fence as a foundational structure and reduces possible property damage without limitation and restriction, as shown and disclosed herein.

AUTHORIZATION PURSUANT TO 37 C.F.R. §1.171 (D)(C)

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document may contain material that is subject to copyright and trademark protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION - BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vinyl fence overlay system for a wood fence and a chain fence disclosed herein along with detailed call-outs for enablement of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of a vinyl fence overlay system for a fence as disclosed in

FIG. 3 is a side view of a vinyl overlay over prior art wood fence and chain fence for use as a foundational structure for the present art vinyl fence overlay system.

FIG. 4 is a front and a side perspective view of a post overlay system as disclosed herein for the vinyl fence overlay system.

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of panel to panel and panel to post for wood fence and chain fence as disclosed in FIG. 1 herein for the vinyl fence overlay system.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of post cap with hole for barbed wire toppers and a bottom perspective view of a blunt end panel.

FIG. 7 is a various perspective view of post caps with different angles (45°, 90°) and gate end post caps as disclosed in FIG. 5 herein.

FIG. 8 is another perspective view of an alternative hook for the attachment of a panel to a fence as disclosed in FIG. 1 herein.

FIG. 9 is detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the attachment of the sections as disclosed herein.

FIG. 10 is detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the end view of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence.

FIG. 11 is detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the end view of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence and interior of the overlay system.

FIG. 12 is a detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the end view of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence and interior of the overlay system.

FIG. 13 is a detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the end view of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence and interior of the overlay system.

FIG. 14 is a detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the end view of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence and interior of the overlay system.

FIG. 15 is a detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the top view of the end of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence and interior of the overlay system and the interconnecting rail system.

FIG. 16 is a detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the top view of the end of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence and interior of the overlay system and the interconnecting rail system.

FIG. 17 is a detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the top view of the end of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence and interior of the overlay system and the interconnecting rail system.

FIG. 18 is a detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the top view of the end of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence and interior of the overlay system and the interconnecting rail system.

FIG. 19 is a detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the top view of the end of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence and interior of the overlay system and the interconnecting rail system fastened together.

FIG. 20 is a detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the top view of the end of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence and interior of the overlay system and the interconnecting rail system fastened together.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION - LISTING OF ELEMENTS Element Description Element Number Fence (prior art) 10 Wood Fence (prior art) 10 a Chain Fence (prior art) 10 b Hook (prior art) 12 Top 13 Base 14 Post (existing) 15 Vinyl fence overlay system 20 Vinyl fence overlay system (wood fence) 20 a Vinyl fence overlay system (chain fence) 20 b Post overlay system 21 Post overlay system (wood fence) 21 a Post overlay system (chain fence) 21 b Post Cap 22 Post Cap Hole 22 a End post cap (45°, 90°, etc.) 22 b Gate end post cap 22 c Post overlay opening 24 Hook 25 Alternative hook 25 a Panel 30 Chain 40 Tube 41 Upper tube 41 a Lower tube 41 b Fasteners (screw, nut, bolt, etc.) 50

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Before the various embodiments of the present invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that phraseology and terminology used herein with reference to device or element orientation (such as, for example, terms like “front”, “back”, “up”, “down”, “top”, “bottom”, and the like) are only used to simplify description of the present invention, and do not alone indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation. In addition, terms such as “first”, “second”, and “third” are used herein and in the appended claims for purposes of description and are not intended to indicate or imply relative importance or significance.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out illustrative embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appending claims. Various inventive features are described below herein that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features.

Fencing is most commonly manufactured from materials such as wood or metal. Because fence 10 is placed outdoor, inclement weather normally wears the painting off of the fence 10. In addition, moisture can cause a great damage to wood fence 10 a which reduces the fence’s life and requires frequent maintenance. Therefore, vinyl fencing products have generally been manufactured due to their longer life and minimal maintenance cost. A vinyl fence overlay system 20 uses the existing stable fence 10 as a foundational structure. The vinyl fence overlay system is intended to take advantage of existing vinyl fence styles and accessories, such as post caps 22 which save time, cost, mess and possible property damage of removing existing fencing 10 and posts 15.

ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT AND ADVANTAGES OF INVENTION

Disclosed are components that can be used with at least one embodiment of the disclosed Vinyl Fence Overlay System. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all potential embodiments of the Vinyl Fence Overlay System. This applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, components of a Vinyl Fence Overlay System. Thus, if there are a variety of additional components that can be added it is understood that each of these additional components can be added with any specific embodiment or combination of embodiments of the Vinyl Fence Overlay System. The present Vinyl Fence Overlay System may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the examples included therein and to the Figures and their previous and following description.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vinyl fence overlay system for a wood fence 10 a and a chain fence 10 b disclosed herein along with detailed call-outs for enablement of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of a vinyl fence overlay system 20 for a fence 10 as disclosed in FIG. 1 . FIG. 3 is an existing wood fence 10 a and chain fence 10 b for use as a foundational structure for the vinyl fence overlay system 20. As shown, the vinyl fence overlay system 20 is comprised of a panel 30 having a top and bottom ends with a hook 25 hingedly attached at the bottom end. Dependent on a particular application, one of ordinary skill will appreciate that the hook 25 may be attached or detached permanently or temporarily from the panel 30 which allows the overlay system to fit and accommodate various types of fence 10. For instance, the hook 25 will be detached from the bottom end of the panel 30 when the overlay system is placed on an existing wood fence 10 a. On the other hand, the hook 25 will be attached to the bottom end of the panel when the overlay system is placed on an existing chain fence 10 b.

Another aspect of the embodiment is a post overlay system 21 having an upper portion and a lower portion. FIG. 4 is a front and a side perspective view of a post overlay system 21 as disclosed herein which is a sub-component of the vinyl fence overlay system disclosed herein. FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the panel to panel and panel to post for wood fence and chain fence as disclosed in FIG. 1 .The post overlay system 21 having a post overlay opening 24 is configured to install over and onto the existing post 15. The post overlay system 21 is secured to the panel 30 via fasteners 50. The fastener 50 could be a screws, nuts and bolts without limitation and restriction. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the post overlay 21 can be attached to the panel 30 by securing the post overlay 21 via fasteners 50 or by sliding down the panel 30 to the post overlay 21 over a post-side tabs, without limitation and restriction

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of post cap 22 with hole 22 a for barbed wire toppers and a bottom perspective view of a blunt end panel. As shown in FIG. 7 , a various perspective view of post caps 22 with different angles (45°, 90°) and a gate end post cap 22 c are disclosed. One of ordinary skill in art will appreciate that post caps can be customized and manufactured with different angles to accommodate different sizes of the post 15 for different application. An end post 22 b is configured with only one side opening. A gate end post 22 c is configured of having one side with a fence opening with panel 30 attachment tab and the other side with a tab-less opening for gate hardware. Without limitation and restriction, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that when the post overlay system 21 is installing over wood fence 10 b, screws are used to secure the post overlay 21 in place and when the post overlay system 21 is installing over a chain link or other grid pattern fencing 10 b, nut and bolt are used in one or two locations per post tab to secure the post overlay system 21 in place.

As illustrated in FIG. 5 , a panel overlay system is designed as a panel-to-post or a panel-to-panel options. When the end post is not desired, a blunt end panel 30 can be an option, without limitation and/or restriction. When there is a gate wherein the post is not desired, a panel 30 with a flat panel-to-post will partially open end for gate hardware. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a panel 30 is configured with various combination of ends allows the vinyl fence overlay system 20 to handle various installation situations. The panels 30 can be attached to the post overlay system 21 by sliding down over the post side tabs. The panels 30 can be attached directly to other panel by sliding down the hooking tab on an adjacent panel.

Another aspect of the vinyl fence overlay system 20 is a hook 25 attached at the bottom end of the panel or the bottom portion of the post. As illustrated in FIG. 8 , the structure of an alternative hook 25 a helps improving the attachment of a panel 30 to a fence 10. One of ordinary skill in art will also appreciate that having a retaining hook 25 allows the installation of the panel 30 over the chain link and other grid pattern fencing 10 b to be more convenient and prevent the removal of the panel 30 by hand or wind. The hooks 25 extend far enough which allows their ends catch each other on the diagonal and/or horizontal sections of a grid pattern fence. The hooks 25 on one side of the panel 30 will be hollow to allow the installation of securing screws. For the panel 30 that installs over an existing wood fence 10 a, screws will be used to secure the panel 30 in place directly onto the wood fence 10 a.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the vinyl fence overlay system 20 saves the time, cost, mess and possible property damage when removing existing fencing 10 and posts 15. The overlay system is intended to take advantage of an existing fence styles 10 and accessories. The vinyl fence overlay system 20 protects the existing fence 10 from wear off due to weather, moisture, etc. and reduce the cost for replacing the fence 10. The height and the width of the post overlay 21 and the panel overlay 30 are configured to overlay common chain link, metal grid, iron-clad, and wood fence sizes, without limitation and restriction.

When structural integrity allows, the vinyl fence overlay height can be higher than the underlying fence 10.

FIG. 8 is another perspective view of an alternative hook for the attachment of a panel to a fence as disclosed in FIG. 1 herein.

FIG. 9 is detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the attachment of the sections as disclosed herein.

FIG. 10 is detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the end view of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence.

FIG. 11 is detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the end view of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence and interior of the overlay system.

FIG. 12 is a detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the end view of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence and interior of the overlay system.

FIG. 13 is a detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the end view of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence and interior of the overlay system.

FIG. 14 is a detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the end view of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence and interior of the overlay system.

FIG. 15 is a detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the top view of the end of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence and interior of the overlay system and the interconnecting rail system.

FIG. 16 is a detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the top view of the end of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence and interior of the overlay system and the interconnecting rail system.

FIG. 17 is a detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the top view of the end of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence and interior of the overlay system and the interconnecting rail system.

FIG. 18 is a detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the top view of the end of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence and interior of the overlay system and the interconnecting rail system.

FIG. 19 is a detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the top view of the end of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence and interior of the overlay system and the interconnecting rail system fastened together.

FIG. 20 is a detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the top view of the end of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence and interior of the overlay system and the interconnecting rail system fastened together.

It is contemplated that in the illustrative embodiment shown in the enclosed figures the Vinyl Fence Overlay System may be constructed of, but not limited to, any metal or combination of metals including bronze, steel and aluminum; plastics or carbon fiber including Kevlar®, foam-blown polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate, other polymers, other thermoplastics, carbon rubber, blown rubber polymers, composite materials, natural materials (e.g., rubber, leather, etc.), elastomers, combinations thereof, and/or any other material with suitable characteristics (e.g., compressive strength, stability, elasticity, density). This particular embodiment of a Vinyl Fence Overlay System was fabricated from vinyl, which is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. One of ordinary skill will appreciate that the Vinyl Fence Overlay System could constructed by any method known to those in the art including via casting, forging and machining or stamping and punching, without restriction or limitation.

As one of ordinary skill will appreciate the present disclosure is not limited by the means of construction or the materials chosen as other suitable materials, including plastic, steel or aluminum, and combinations therein.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word “comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and “comprises,” means “including but not limited to,” and is not intended to exclude, for example, other components, integers or steps. “Exemplary” means “an example of” and is not intended to convey an indication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. “Such as” is not used in a restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

It should be noted that Vinyl Fence Overlay System are not limited to the specific embodiments pictured and described herein, but is intended to apply to all similar apparatuses and methods for providing the various benefits of those elements, which such benefits are explicitly and/or inherently disclosed herein. Modifications and alterations from the described embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art without departure from the spirit and scope of the Vinyl Fence Overlay System 20 and methods. Furthermore, variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the Vinyl Fence Overlay System. It is understood that Vinyl Fence Overlay System as disclosed herein extends to all alternative combinations of one or more of the individual features mentioned, evident from the text and/or drawings, and/or inherently disclosed. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the Vinyl Fence Overlay System. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the Vinyl Fence Overlay System and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the same. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An method and apparatus for a Vinyl Fence Overlay System according to FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vinyl fence overlay system for a wood fence and a chain fence disclosed herein along with detailed call-outs for enablement of the present disclosure.
 2. The method and apparatus for a Vinyl Fence Overlay System according to claim 1 and including FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of a vinyl fence overlay system for a fence as disclosed in.
 3. The method and apparatus for a Vinyl Fence Overlay System according to claim 1 and including FIG. 3 is a side view of a vinyl overlay over prior art wood fence and chain fence for use as a foundational structure for the present art vinyl fence overlay system.
 4. The method and apparatus for a Vinyl Fence Overlay System according to claim and including claim 1 FIG. 4 is a front and a side perspective view of a post overlay system as disclosed herein for the vinyl fence overlay system.
 5. The method and apparatus for a Vinyl Fence Overlay System according to claim and including claim 1 and FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of panel to panel and panel to post for wood fence and chain fence as disclosed in FIG. 1 herein for the vinyl fence overlay system.
 6. The method and apparatus for a Vinyl Fence Overlay System according to claim and including claim 1 and FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of post cap with hole for barbed wire toppers and a bottom perspective view of a blunt end panel.
 7. FIG. 7 is a various perspective view of post caps with different angles (45°, 90°) and gate end post caps as disclosed in FIG. 5 herein.
 8. FIG. 8 is another perspective view of an alternative hook for the attachment of a panel to a fence as disclosed in FIG. 1 herein.
 9. FIG. 8 is another perspective view of an alternative hook for the attachment of a panel to a fence as disclosed in FIG. 1 herein.
 10. FIG. 9 is detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the attachment of the sections as disclosed herein.
 11. FIG. 10 is detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the end view of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence.
 12. FIG. 11 is detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the end view of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence and interior of the overlay system.
 13. FIG. 12 is a detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the end view of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence and interior of the overlay system.
 14. FIG. 13 is a detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the end view of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence and interior of the overlay system.
 15. FIG. 14 is a detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the end view of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence and interior of the overlay system.
 16. FIG. 15 is a detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the top view of the end of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence and interior of the overlay system and the interconnecting rail system.
 17. FIG. 16 is a detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the top view of the end of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence and interior of the overlay system and the interconnecting rail system.
 18. FIG. 17 is a detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the top view of the end of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence and interior of the overlay system and the interconnecting rail system.
 19. FIG. 18 is a detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the top view of the end of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence and interior of the overlay system and the interconnecting rail system.
 20. FIG. 19 is a detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the top view of the end of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence and interior of the overlay system and the interconnecting rail system fastened together.
 21. FIG. 20 is a detailed view of at least one embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein with a particular focus on the top view of the end of the overlay system positioned over a chain link fence and interior of the overlay system and the interconnecting rail system fastened together.
 22. Any new or useful apparatus according to the present disclosure.
 23. Any new or useful method according to the present disclosure. 